A small team of eight students from Lacombe and Bentley is now taking on an even bigger challenge. 

The United Robotics of Lacombe club is off for a space-themed robotics competition.

The team collected the Rookie All-Star award, at the FIRST Robotics Competition Canadian Rockies Regional in Calgary over the weekend qualifying them for the trip.

The award is given to teams who not only perform well with the robot they build for competition, but also for what they do to help out their community and around the world.

After the approval from the school board went through and a small portion of sponsorship was provided they were given the all clear to get planning.  

They will leave for the World Championships on April 15, to compete in the FIRST competition against teams from all over in Houston, Texas and will try their luck April 17-20 against the worlds best.

Being a small club with limited resources has left the club with a funding shortfall as the chances to make it to this level are very rare.

They currently are looking at $1,250 per person and are in need of a bit more sponsorship. They say the last minute planning is also a bit of a struggle.

A GOFUNDME page has been set up for the team in hopes to cover a bit more of the costs.

A teacher from Lacombe Composite High School and mentor of the team, Steve Schultz, said he couldn’t be more proud of the group and their efforts in this accomplishment.